Beverage Brewing Cartridge, Construction Kit, and Method of Constructing a Beverage Cartridge

ABSTRACT

A beverage brewing cartridge includes a base and a plug. The base includes a sidewall, a fillable end having an opening, and a closed end. The plug is configured to close off the opening. A method of constructing a brewing cartridge includes placing the base of the beverage brewing cartridge on a cartridge seat of a cartridge tool with the closed end against the cartridge seat. A cartridge lock retains the base against the cartridge tool. A portion of brewing material is scooped and poured into the base through a mouth of the cartridge lock and the opening of the fillable end of the base, and then tamped into the base. The plug is positioned above and aligned with the opening of the fillable end of the base, and seated into the opening to close the opening, thereby completing construction of the brewing cartridge.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a Continuation-In-Part of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/286,845, which was filed on Oct. 6, 2016; which in turn is aContinuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/187,444,which was filed on Jun. 20, 2016, and a Continuation-In-Part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/256,929, which was filed on Sep. 6, 2016,the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein in theirentireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to brewed beverages and in particular to beveragebrewing cartridges, methods of making beverage brewing cartridges, andtools for making beverage brewing cartridges.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Beverage brewing cartridges typically contain ground brewing material,through which water is flowed to brew a beverage. For example, espressobeverages are made by forcing high-pressure water through tightlypacked, finely ground coffee. The ground coffee is contained in a holdercommonly called a “portafilter”, or into a pre-packaged espressocartridge. High-pressure water is forced through the ground coffee andbeverage is extracted in small, concentrated amounts. Many espressodrinkers prefer the simplicity of using the espresso cartridges, but arelimited in the selection of ground coffee to varieties available in thepre-packaged espresso cartridges, and the cost of brewing beverages fromdisposable, individual cartridge is great, both economically and interms of impact on the environment.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the invention, a beverage brewing cartridgeincludes a cartridge base, and a cartridge plug. The cartridge baseincludes a sidewall, a fillable end having an opening, and a closed end.The cartridge plug is configured to close off the opening of thefillable end of the cartridge base. The cartridge base sidewall can be,for example, frustoconical in shape. The closed end of the cartridgebase can be sealed, for example, with foil. The cartridge plug caninclude ports configured to allow fluid to flow from the cartridge. Forexample, the ports can include weakened areas configured to burst underpressure, thereby allowing fluid to flow from the cartridge. Thecartridge plug or the opening of the fillable end of the cartridge basecan include an annular recess, and the other can include a correspondingannular ridge, configured for mutual mating contact. The beveragebrewing cartridge can also include a circumferential lip above theannular recess. The circumferential lip can include gaps configured toallow the circumferential lip to collapse during insertion of thecartridge plug into the opening of the fillable end of the cartridgebase.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method of constructing abrewing cartridge includes placing the cartridge base of the beveragebrewing cartridge on a cartridge seat of a cartridge tool with theclosed end of the cartridge base against the cartridge seat. Thecartridge base is retained against the cartridge tool using a cartridgelock. A portion of brewing material is scooped and poured into thecartridge base through a mouth of the cartridge lock and the opening ofthe fillable end of the cartridge base. The brewing material is thentamped into the cartridge base. The cartridge plug is positioned aboveand aligned with the opening of the fillable end of the cartridge base.The cartridge plug is then seated into the opening of the fillable endof the cartridge base to close the opening of the fillable end of thecartridge base, thereby completing construction of the brewingcartridge. The method can also include releasing the cartridge lock fromthe cartridge base, and removing the brewing cartridge from thecartridge tool.

Scooping the portion of brewing material and tamping the brewingmaterial into the cartridge base can include using a combinationscooping/tamping tool. The method can also include leveling the portionof brewing material using a leveling arm of the combinationscooping/tamping tool, prior to pouring the scooped brewing material.

Positioning the cartridge plug above and aligned with the opening of thefillable end of the cartridge base can include engaging a first guideelement on the cartridge plug with a second guide element on an end ofthe combination scooping/tamping tool, and inserting the end of thecombination scooping/tamping tool into an access mouth of the cartridgelock.

The method can also include, prior to placing the cartridge base on thecartridge seat of the cartridge tool, obtaining the cartridge base, andsealing an end of the cartridge base to form the closed end of thebrewing cartridge base. For example, sealing the end of the cartridgebase can include applying foil to the end of the brewing cartridge base.Seating the cartridge plug into the opening of the tillable end of thecartridge base can include engaging a ridge into a recess.

According to another aspect of the invention, a beverage brewingcartridge construction kit, configured to construct a brewing cartridge,includes the cartridge tool and the cartridge lock. The cartridge toolcan include a cartridge seat. The beverage brewing cartridgeconstruction kit can also include a combination scooping/tamping tool.The combination scooping/tamping tool can include a levelling arm and/ora cartridge plug guide element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a bottom isometric view of an exemplary cartridge accordingto the invention.

FIG. 2A shows a top isometric view of an exemplary cartridge accordingto the invention with the cartridge base top open.

FIG. 2B shows a top isometric view of an exemplary cartridge accordingto the invention with the cartridge base top closed.

FIG. 3A shows a side view of an exemplary cartridge according to theinvention.

FIG. 3B shows a top view of an exemplary cartridge according to theinvention.

FIG. 3C shows a bottom view of an exemplary cartridge according to theinvention.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary cartridge accordingto the invention taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 5 shows a top isometric view of an exemplary cartridge baseaccording to the invention.

FIG. 6 shows a bottom isometric view of an exemplary cartridge baseaccording to the invention.

FIG. 7A shows a side view of an exemplary cartridge base according tothe invention.

FIG. 7B shows a top view of an exemplary cartridge base according to theinvention.

FIG. 7C shows a bottom view of an exemplary cartridge base according tothe invention.

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary cartridge baseaccording to the invention taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 9A shows a side view of an exemplary bottom plug according to theinvention.

FIG. 9B shows a top view of an exemplary bottom plug according to theinvention.

FIG. 9C shows a bottom view of an exemplary bottom plug according to theinvention.

FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary bottom plugaccording to the invention taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 11 shows a detailed top isometric view of an exemplary bottom plugaccording to the invention.

FIG. 12 shows a detailed cross-sectional view of an exemplary bottomplug according to the invention taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 13 shows a detailed bottom isometric view of an exemplary bottomplug according to the invention.

FIG. 14A shows a first isometric view of an exemplary hand-held toolaccording to the invention.

FIG. 14B shows a second isometric view of an exemplary hand-held toolaccording to the invention.

FIG. 14C shows a third isometric view of an exemplary hand-held toolaccording to the invention.

FIG. 14D shows a fourth isometric view of an exemplary hand-held toolaccording to the invention.

FIG. 15 shows an isometric view of an exemplary frame of a hand-heldtool according to the invention.

FIG. 16A shows a side view of an exemplary frame of a hand-held toolaccording to the invention.

FIG. 16B shows a top view of an exemplary frame of a hand-held toolaccording to the invention.

FIG. 16C shows a bottom view of an exemplary frame of a hand-held toolaccording to the invention.

FIG. 16D shows a rear view of an exemplary frame of a hand-held toolaccording to the invention.

FIG. 16E shows a front view of an exemplary frame of a hand-held toolaccording to the invention.

FIG. 17A shows a first isometric view of an exemplary tamper/seater of ahand-held tool according to the invention.

FIG. 17B shows a second isometric view of an exemplary tamper/seater ofa hand-held tool according to the invention.

FIG. 18A shows a side view of an exemplary tamper/seater of a hand-heldtool according to the invention.

FIG. 18B shows a rear view of an exemplary tamper/seater of a hand-heldtool according to the invention.

FIG. 19A shows a first isometric view of an exemplary countertop toolaccording to the invention.

FIG. 19B shows a second isometric view of an exemplary countertop toolaccording to the invention.

FIG. 20A shows an exemplary tool base of a countertop tool according tothe invention.

FIG. 20B shows a second view of an exemplary tool base of a countertoptool according to the invention.

FIG. 20C shows an exemplary tool base of a countertop tool according tothe invention with an exemplary cartridge lock according to theinvention attached to a tool base.

FIG. 21A shows a side view of an exemplary funnel according to theinvention.

FIG. 21 B shows an isometric view of an exemplary funnel according tothe invention.

FIG. 21 C shows a top view of an exemplary funnel according to theinvention.

FIG. 21 D shows a bottom view of an exemplary funnel according to theinvention.

FIG. 22 shows an isometric view of an exemplary cartridge lock accordingto the invention.

FIG. 23A shows a side view of an exemplary cartridge lock according tothe invention.

FIG. 23B shows a side view of an exemplary cartridge lock according tothe invention, rotated 90 degrees.

FIG. 23C shows a top view of an exemplary cartridge lock according tothe invention.

FIG. 23D shows a bottom view of an exemplary cartridge lock according tothe invention.

FIG. 24 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary cartridge lockaccording to the invention taken along line 24-24 of FIG. 23C.

FIG. 25A shows an exemplary scoop and tamper tool according to theinvention with an exemplary retracted leveling fork according to theinvention.

FIG. 25B shows an exemplary scoop and tamper tool according to theinvention with an exemplary extended leveling fork according to theinvention.

FIG. 26 shows an isometric view of an exemplary leveling fork accordingto the invention.

FIG. 27A shows a side view of an exemplary scoop and tamper toolaccording to the invention with an exemplary retracted leveling forkaccording to the invention.

FIG. 27B shows a top view of an exemplary scoop and tamper toolaccording to the invention with an exemplary retracted leveling forkaccording to the invention.

FIG. 28A shows a side view of an exemplary scoop and tamper toolaccording to the invention with an exemplary extended leveling forkaccording to the invention.

FIG. 28B shows a top view of an exemplary scoop and tamper toolaccording to the invention with an exemplary extended leveling forkaccording to the invention.

FIG. 29 shows an isometric view of an exemplary seating tool accordingto the invention.

FIG. 30A shows a side view of an exemplary seating tool according to theinvention.

FIG. 30B shows a bottom view of an exemplary seating tool according tothe invention.

FIG. 31 shows a side view of an exemplary hand-held tool according tothe invention, in an open state.

FIG. 32 shows a side view of an exemplary hand-held tool according tothe invention, in a closing state.

FIG. 33 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method according to theinvention for using a hand-held tool.

FIG. 34 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method according to theinvention for using a table-top tool.

FIG. 35A shows a top/quarter isometric view of an exemplary countertoptool according to the invention.

FIG. 35B shows a bottom/quarter isometric view of an exemplarycountertop tool according to the invention.

FIG. 36A shows a top/side isometric view of an exemplaryscoop/tamper/seating tool according to the invention.

FIG. 36B shows a bottom/side isometric view of an exemplaryscoop/tamper/seating tool according to the invention.

FIG. 36C shows a top/rear isometric view of an exemplaryscoop/tamper/seating tool according to the invention.

FIG. 37A shows a top/rear isometric view of an exemplaryscoop/tamper/seating tool according to the invention, with a retractedsliding level.

FIG. 37B shows a top/rear isometric view of an exemplaryscoop/tamper/seating tool according to the invention, with a partiallyextended sliding level.

FIG. 37C shows a top/rear isometric view of an exemplaryscoop/tamper/seating tool according to the invention, with a fullyextended sliding level.

FIG. 38 shows an exemplary scoop/tamper/seating tool according to theinvention, releasing brewing material into an espresso cartridgeretained in a tool base.

FIG. 39 shows an exemplary scoop/tamper/seating tool according to theinvention positioned to tamp brewing material in an espresso cartridgeretained in a tool base.

FIG. 40 shows an exemplary scoop/tamper/seating tool according to theinvention positioned to seat a bottom plug in an espresso cartridgeretained in a tool base.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding componentsthroughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description includes the best mode presently contemplatedfor carrying out the invention. This description is not to be taken in alimiting sense. The scope of the invention should be determined withreference to the claims. Further, the terms “top” and “bottom” are usedin the description, but only for ease of explanation with respect toorientation in the drawings. These terms do not restrict any relativeorientation of components of the invention, which is contemplated tocover any such orientation.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4 , an espresso cartridge is described as anexemplary beverage cartridge according to the invention. The cartridge10 is configured to be at least partially filled with ground beveragebrewing material, in this case coffee beans ground for brewing espresso.The cartridge 10 includes cartridge base top 12 a and a cartridge basebottom 12 b.

The cartridge base top 12 a can be provided with the cartridge base top12 a open, or can be covered or otherwise closed, such as with foilmaterial 16 or the like sealing the cartridge base top 12 a. When thecartridge is provided with the cartridge base top 12 a open, the foilmaterial 16 or other cover can be attached to the cartridge base 12before filling the cartridge base with brewing material. A bottom plug14 is inserted into the cartridge base 12 after filling the cartridgebase 12 through an open cartridge base bottom 12 b (see FIG. 8 ), or anopening in the cartridge base bottom 12 b.

Referring to FIGS. 5-8 , the cartridge base 12 includes the base top 12a, the open base bottom 12 b, and, in this exemplary embodiment,frustoconical shaped walls 12 c, although the sidewall 12 c can take anyfeasible shape or outline. As shown, if the sidewall 12 c isfrustoconical in shape, the base bottom 12 b has a smaller diameter thanthe base top 12 a. An interior annular ridge 18 in the base bottom 12 bengages an exterior annular recess 22 (see FIG. 9A) in the bottom plug14 to retain the bottom plug 14 in the base bottom 12 b, although inalternative embodiments the ridge 18 and the recess 22 can be swappedbetween these two components.

Referring to FIGS. 9A-13 , the bottom plug 14 defines the exteriorannular recess 22 created by a lip 23 above the exterior annular recess22. The lip 23 includes gaps 24 that allow the lip 24 to slightlydistort when the bottom plug 14 is pressed into the open base bottom 12b. The bottom plug 14 also can include ports or weakened areas 20. Whenespresso is brewed, the brewed beverage escapes from the cartridge 10through the ports or weakened areas burst or otherwise open due to thepressure or raised temperature experienced during the brewing process.The weakened area 20 help seal the cartridge 10 before use, so thatbrewing material can be retained prior to brewing. The bottom plug 14also can include a guide hole 26 or indentation. The guide hole 26engages a guide hole pin 52 (see FIG. 17A) to hold the bottom plugduring assembly of the cartridge 10. In alternative embodiments, theguide hole 26 and the guide hole pin 52 can be swapped between these twocomponents, or different corresponding guide structures can be used toalign the bottom plug 14.

Referring to FIGS. 14A-14D, the cartridge tool 30 includes a frame 32, ahandle 38 attached to the frame 32 for grasping by a user, a cartridgeholder 40, a cartridge hole lid 36, and a tamper/seater 34. Thecartridge base 12 is held in the cartridge holder 40 to fill, tamp, andplug the cartridge 12 to construct an espresso cartridge 10.

Referring to FIGS. 15-16E, the frame 32 includes the cartridge holder40, an arm 42 expending from the cartridge holder 40 to the handle 38,and pivot hands 44. The cartridge holder 40 has an open scoop mouth 46and an open cartridge mouth 48, which can be closed by the lid 36 afterplacing the cartridge base 12 in the cartridge holder 40. The cartridgeholder can have a cylindrical, frustoconical, or other shaped exterior,but preferably has an interior matching or at least accommodating thewalls 12 c of the cartridge base 12.

Referring to FIGS. 17A-18B, the tamper/seater 34 provides a mechanismfor performing steps of making the espresso cartridge 10. A pivot 60cooperates with the pivot hands 44 of the frame 32, allowing thetamper/seater 34 to pivot toward and away from the cartridge holder 40.A tamping plunger 50 is pushed into the cartridge holder 40 to tampbrewing material held in the cartridge base 12. After tamping, thetamping plunger 50 is used to press the bottom plug 14 into thecartridge base 12. The tamping plunger 50 can include the guide hole pin52 to attach the bottom plug 14 to the tamping plunger 50 to hold thebottom plug 14 aligned with the cartridge base bottom 12 b whilepressing the bottom plug 14 into the cartridge base bottom 12 b. Thetamper/seater 34 can include wings 58 or other implements configured tofacilitate one-handed operation of the tool 30. A tamper arm 56 connectsthe pivot 60 to the tamper plunger 50.

Referring to FIGS. 19A and 19B, the countertop tool includes a tool base72, a cartridge lock 80 configured to retain the cartridge base 12 onthe tool base 72, a funnel 78 that can be used when filling thecartridge base 12, a scoop and tamper 74 combination configured tomeasure and pour brewing material, and a seating tool 76 that can beused to seat the bottom plug after filling the cartridge base 12 withthe brewing material.

Referring to FIGS. 20A-20C, the tool base 72 includes a cartridge seat82 that is slightly larger than the cartridge top 12 a to position thecartridge 12 on the tool base 72. Locking recesses 88 are formed aroundthe cartridge seat 82 to attach a cartridge lock 80 (see FIGS. 22-24 )to the tool base 72 to hold the cartridge base 12 on the tool base 71. Arecess 84 is formed on the tool base 72 to position or store the seatingtool 76 when not in use and a recess 86 is formed to position or storethe scoop and tamper 74 when not in use.

Referring to FIGS. 21A-D, the funnel 76 fits into a cylindrical accessmouth 94 (see FIG. 24 ) of the cartridge lock 80. The funnel 76 caninclude a step 90 to align the funnel with the open base bottom 12 b, orcan be tapered to align the funnel with the open base bottom 12 b.

Referring to FIGS. 22-24 , an exemplary cartridge lock 80 includeslocking ring segments 92 that engage the locking recesses 88 of the toolbase 72 to retain the cartridge lock 80 and the cartridge base 12 on thetool base 72. The cartridge lock 80 includes an interior 95 shaped toposition the cartridge base in the cartridge lock 80 when filling withand tamping brewing material, and when seating the bottom plug 14.

Referring to FIGS. 25A-26 , the scoop and tamper combination tool 74includes a leveling bar or fork 97 that is restrained to slide in a slot75 in the scoop and tamper tool 74. After scooping a portion of brewingmaterial 11 (see FIG. 4 ), the leveling fork 97 can be guided forward topush excess brewing material off the scoop and tamper tool 74 to obtaina consistent measured amount of brewing material 11.

The scoop and tamper tool 74 includes a tamper 98, which can be, forexample, cylindrical and a preferably flat tamping end 51 opposite thescoop 96. The tamper 98 is slightly smaller in diameter than thecylindrical access mouth 94 of the cartridge lock 80 to allow thecylindrical tamper 98 to pass through the cylindrical mouth 94 duringtamping. The combination tool 74 includes both the scoop and the tamperfor convenience.

Referring to FIGS. 27A-28B, sliding of the leveling bar or fork 97across the mouth of the scoop is shown. The leveling bar or fork 97extends on an arm that can be biased to return the leveling bar or fork97 to the retracted position. The end of the leveling bar or fork 97 isshown to be rounded to correspond to the shape of the mouth of thescoop, but both the scoop and the end of the leveling bar or fork 97 cantake any shape and need not mutually correspond except to the extentthat the end of the leveling bar or fork 97 can retract so as not tointerfere with scooping, and can extend to push all excess brewingmaterial from above the mouth of the scoop.

Referring to FIGS. 29-30B, the seating tool 76 includes a cylindricalportion 51 extending from a grasping portion 100. The grasping portion100 facilitates applying a force required to seat the bottom plug 14 inthe open cartridge bottom 12 b. A guide hole pin 52 is included toattach the bottom plug 14 to the seating tool 76 in order to hold thebottom plug 14 in alignment with the cartridge base bottom 12 b whilepressing the bottom plug 14 into the cartridge base bottom 12 b.

Referring to FIGS. 31 and 32 , the tool 102 includes a pivot 104 andhandles 106 a and 106 b. The cartridge holder 40 is fixed to one handle106 b, and the tamper plunger 50 is attached to the handle 106 a. Thecartridge base 12 can be filled using the scoop and tamper 74 asdescribed for the tool 70 above, and the handle 106 a can be pivotedfirst to tamp the brewing material using the tamper plunger 50, and thento seat the bottom plug 14 using the tamper plunger 50, as described forthe tool 30 above. The tool 102 advantageously provides leverage duringtamping and seating, making it easier to use the tool.

Referring to FIG. 33 , an exemplary method according to the inventionfor using the hand-held tool includes inserting a cartridge base into acartridge holder, an open cartridge base bottom first into the cartridgeholder, the cartridge base bottom diameter smaller than a cartridge basetop opposite to the cartridge base bottom at step 200, closing a lid toretain the cartridge base in the cartridge holder at step 202, scoopinga portion of untamped brewing material through a holder mouth and thesmaller cartridge base bottom of the cartridge at step 204, leveling theuntamped brewing material in the holder mouth and cartridge base at step206, pressing a tamping plunger through the holder mouth and into thecartridge holder at step 208, tamping the untamped brewing materialcompletely into the cartridge base at step 210, withdrawing the tamperpiston from the holder mouth at step 212, placing a bottom plug into theholder mouth and against the smaller cartridge base bottom of thecartridge base at step 214, seating the bottom plug in the smaller basebottom of the cartridge at step 216, and removing the finished cartridgefrom the cartridge holder at step 218.

Referring to FIG. 34 , an exemplary method according to the inventionfor using the table-top tool includes placing a brewing cartridge baseonto a cartridge seat of a tool base, a closed cartridge base topagainst the cartridge seat, the cartridge base top having a largerdiameter than an open cartridge base bottom opposite the cartridge basetop at step 302, attaching a cartridge lock to the tool base to retainthe cartridge base against the tool base at step 302, scooping a portionof brewing material at step 304, leveling the brewing material in thescoop at step 306, pouring the brewing material through a mouth of thecartridge lock and the open bottom end of the cartridge base, into thecartridge base at step 308, tamping the untamped brewing material intothe cartridge base at step 310, placing a bottom plug into the cartridgeholder against the small end of the cartridge at step 312, seating thebottom plug into the cartridge base at step 314, and removing thefinished cartridge from the tool at step 316.

Referring to FIGS. 35A and 35B, an exemplary countertop tool 70 aincludes a combination scoop/tamper/seating tool 74 a replacing thescoop and tamper 74, and does not include the dedicated seating tool 76.

Referring to FIGS. 36A-36C, the exemplary scoop/tamper/seating tool 74 ais similar to the scoop and tamper 76, but includes a flat end 51opposite the scoop 96, and a guide hole pin 52 centered on the flat end51.

Referring to FIGS. 37A-37C, after scooping brewing material from a bulkbrewing material container, the sliding level can be used to level thebrewing material to obtain a preferred amount of brewing material for anespresso cartridge. While sliding level 97 is shown in FIGS. 37A-370 , apivoting level can be used instead, and any apparatus usable to slideover the scoop 96 to level the brewing material is intended to beincluded within the scope of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 38 , the funnel 78 can be fitted to the cartridge lockto guide the brewing material 11 into the cartridge 10 (see FIGS. 1-8 )locked to the tool base 72.

Referring to FIGS. 39 and 40 , the scoop/tamper/seating tool 74 aincludes a cylindrical tamper portion 98 slightly smaller than thecylindrical access mouth 94 (see FIG. 24 ) of the cartridge lock 80 toallow the cylindrical tamper portion 98 to enter the cartridge.

The scoop/tamper/seating tool 74 a is shown positioned to seat thebottom plug 14 in the espresso cartridge 10 retained by the cartridgelock 80 in the tool base 72. The guide hole pin 52 engages the guidehole 21 of the bottom plug 14 and the cylindrical tamper portion 98centers the bottom plug 14 for seating in the espresso cartridge 10.

Generally, according to an aspect of the invention, a beverage brewingcartridge includes a cartridge base, and a cartridge plug. The cartridgebase includes a sidewall, a fillable end having an opening, and a closedend. The cartridge plug is configured to close off the opening of thefillable end of the cartridge base. Thus, the empty cartridge base isconfigured to be filled through the opening in the fillable end, whichcan then be closed off to form the beverage brewing cartridge.

The cartridge base sidewall can be, for example, cylindrical orfrustoconical in shape, or can take any shape, for both the inside andoutside surfaces of the sidewall, which can be the same or different.The closed end of the cartridge base can be integrally closed or closedby a lid, or sealed, for example, with foil. The cartridge plug caninclude ports configured to allow fluid to flow from the cartridge. Forexample, the ports can include weakened areas configured to burst underpressure or when in contact with heated liquid, thereby allowing fluidto flow from the cartridge. The cartridge plug and the opening of thefillable end of the cartridge base can include a recess and acorresponding mating ridge, which can be annular if the plug and openingare round or rounded. The beverage brewing cartridge can also include aperipheral lip above the recess. The lip can include gaps configured toallow the lip to collapse during insertion of the cartridge plug intothe opening of the fillable end of the cartridge base, providing apress-fit coupling.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method of constructing abrewing cartridge includes placing the cartridge base of the beveragebrewing cartridge on a cartridge seat of a cartridge tool with theclosed end of the cartridge base against the cartridge seat. Thecartridge base is retained against the cartridge tool using, forexample, a cartridge lock. A portion of brewing material is scooped andpoured into the cartridge base through a mouth of the cartridge lock andthe opening of the fillable end of the cartridge base. The brewingmaterial is then tamped into the cartridge base. The cartridge plug ispositioned above and aligned with the opening of the fillable end of thecartridge base. The cartridge plug is then seated into the opening ofthe fillable end of the cartridge base to close the opening of thefillable end of the cartridge base, thereby completing construction ofthe brewing cartridge. The method can also include releasing thecartridge lock from the cartridge base, and removing the brewingcartridge from the cartridge tool.

Scooping the portion of brewing material and tamping the brewingmaterial into the cartridge base can include using a combinationscooping/tamping tool. To provide a measured portion of brewingmaterial, the method can also include leveling the portion of brewingmaterial using a leveling arm of the combination scooping/tamping tool,prior to pouring the scooped brewing material. This leveling arm cantake any shape.

Positioning the cartridge plug above and aligned with the opening of thefillable end of the cartridge base can include engaging a first guideelement on the cartridge plug with a second guide element on an end ofthe combination scooping/tamping tool, and inserting the end of thecombination scooping/tamping tool into an access mouth of the cartridgelock. These guide elements can take the form of any mating structures,such as a corresponding indentation or hole and pin.

The method can also include, prior to placing the cartridge base on thecartridge seat of the cartridge tool, obtaining the cartridge base, andsealing an end of the cartridge base to form the closed end of thebrewing cartridge base. For example, sealing the end of the cartridgebase can include applying foil to the end of the brewing cartridge base.Alternatively, a cover can be coupled to the cartridge base to close theend. Seating the cartridge plug into the opening of the fillable end ofthe cartridge base can include engaging a ridge into a recess.Alternatively, these elements can be screwed together, friction fit, orcoupled in any other suitable manner.

According to another aspect of the invention, a beverage brewingcartridge construction kit, configured to construct a brewing cartridge,includes the cartridge tool and the cartridge lock. The cartridge toolcan include a cartridge seat. The beverage brewing cartridgeconstruction kit can also include a combination scooping/tamping tool.The combination scooping/tamping tool can include a scoop and a tamper,as well as a levelling arm and/or a cartridge plug guide element.

The invention has been described by way of example and in terms ofpreferred embodiments. However, the present invention as contemplated bythe inventor is not strictly limited to the particularly disclosedembodiments. To the contrary, various modifications, as well as similararrangements, are included within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. The scope of the appended claims, therefore, should beaccorded the broadest reasonable interpretation so as to encompass allsuch modifications and similar arrangements.

1-7. (canceled)
 8. A method of constructing a brewing cartridge,comprising: providing a beverage brewing cartridge, wherein the beveragebrewing cartridge includes: a cartridge base, and a cartridge plug,wherein the cartridge base includes a sidewall, a fillabie end having anopening, and a closed end, and wherein the cartridge plug is configuredto close off the opening of the fillable end of the cartridge base:placing the cartridge base on a cartridge seat of a cartridge tool withthe closed end of the cartridge base against the cartridge seat;retaining the cartridge base against the cartridge tool using acartridge lock; scooping a portion of brewing material; pouring thescooped brewing material into the cartridge base through a mouth of thecartridge lock and the opening of the tillable end of the cartridgebase; tamping the brewing material into the cartridge base; positioningthe cartridge plug above and aligned with the opening of the finable endof the cartridge base; seating the cartridge plug into the opening ofthe fillable end of the cartridge base to close the opening of thefillable end of the cartridge base, thereby completing construction ofthe brewing cartridge.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising:releasing the cartridge lock from the cartridge base; and removing thebrewing cartridge from the cartridge tool.
 10. The method of claim 8,wherein scooping the portion of brewing material and tamping the brewingmaterial into the cartridge base includes using a combinationscooping/tamping tool.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprisingleveling the portion of brewing material using a leveling arm of thecombination scooping/tamping tool, prior to pouring the scooped brewingmaterial.
 12. The method of claim 8, wherein positioning the cartridgeplug above and aligned with the opening of the fillable end of thecartridge base includes: engaging a first guide element on the cartridgeplug with a second guide element on an end of the combinationscooping/tamping tool; and inserting the end of the combinationscooping/tamping tool into an access mouth of the cartridge lock. 13.The method of claim 8, further comprising, prior to placing thecartridge base on the cartridge seat of the cartridge tool: obtainingthe cartridge base; and sealing an end of the cartridge base to form theclosed end of the brewing cartridge base.
 14. The method of claim 13,wherein sealing the end of the cartridge base includes applying foil tothe end of the brewing cartridge base.
 15. The method of claim 8,wherein seating the cartridge plug into the opening of the fillable endof the cartridge base includes engaging a ridge into a recess.
 16. Abeverage brewing cartridge construction kit, configured to construct abrewing cartridge according to the method of claim 8, comprising: thecartridge tool; and the cartridge lock.
 17. The beverage brewingcartridge construction kit of claim 16, wherein the cartridge toolincludes a cartridge seat.
 18. The beverage brewing cartridgeconstruction kit of claim 16, further comprising a combinationscooping/tamping tool.
 19. The beverage brewing cartridge constructionkit of claim 18, wherein the combination scooping/t ping tool includes alevelling arm.
 20. The beverage brewing cartridge construction kit ofclaim 18, wherein the combination scooping/tamping tool includes acartridge plug guide element.